Sneak Peak!

As far as energy goes, this week has been pretty tough. I hate when I want so badly to do something, but I just don;t have the energy. This goes for sewing and running. I have at least made some progress on the sewing front. Running... not so much.

I did make some time to cut out fabric for a new set of coasters. It's going to be a vibrant set that I may have a hard time parting with!

So........ here is the sneak peak at my next project

Back at it

I'm so happy to be sewing again and actually have items to list on Etsy! It has been hard to not have the time or the energy to put into it, but I think we are finally getting settled down in our new place.

It's really awesome to have a room to contain my mess! Before, my sewing space was in the living room. I would have to pull out a table and get everything out of a container. Then, put everything back when I'm done. Now, if I don't have time or don't feel like cleaning up every single scrap, I can just simply close the door!

Here are the items I have been able to list so far. I would love any feedback!

Midwest Modern Coasters

Morning Glory Coasters

Waverly Pillow Cover

"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." ~Confucius

The Cost of Handmade

A lot of people that make handmade items have a hard time pricing their work. I am definitely one of those people. It's hard to get the Walmart mentality out of your head. Now I'm not one of those people that bashes Walmart, but I have to say that buying handmade is not anywhere near the same as buying at your local big box store.

What goes into the price of a handmade item? Running a business, as I have found out, is not an inexpensive endeavor. You of course have to add in the price of the materials themselves, but what about the time you spent researching or coming up with a design? You also have to factor in the cost of equipment and the fees that go along with whatever forum you decide to sell in. Then what about insurance? If you don't have a spouse that has insurance through their work place then you have to consider buying your own. And we all know how expensive that can be! Not to mention getting paid for the TIME to make the item!

I'm sure there are many other factors that others could add, but the point of the post is this: When you go to a craft show, market, or look at handmade items online stop and think about what goes into the price of that item. Just because you may not be able to afford it, doesn't mean that it isn't worth the price tag on it.

Support handmade and artists when you can! It really makes their day when you do! :)

Today's quote:

"Change your thinking, change your life." ~Ernest Holmes.

What's in a name?

Some of you may be wondering why my blog is called Changing Seasons. It all started in October of last year when I was trying to come up with a name for my Etsy shop. It took weeks for me to come up with a name. It came to me while I was listening to one of my favorite songs: "Seasons" by The Veer Union. The song talks about starting something new, which is what I have been working on recently.

Over the past couple of years I have been working to change the way I live my life. I used to try to make people happy no matter what the sacrifice I had to make. It took a long time for me to realize that it is not selfish to do what you want to do even if others don't approve. It's a delicate balance to try to be considerate of others feelings, but live my own life. Unfortunately it took me nearly 30 years to figure this out.

Sometimes it's difficult for me to speak up and to let my feelings be known, but I have found that in the end it is actually easier. I don't have to carry around the "what if"s" or the feeling of insecurity. Sometimes it just doesn't matter if some people don't like you.

I am excited to get back to selling in my shop. When Brian and I get set up and settled into our new home we I will have a dedicated place to sew. YAY! It shouldn't be much longer!

À tout à l'heure!

Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you really put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price. ~Author Unknown

Hello out there!

I've become addicted to reading other blogs, so I thought I would give it a try! I enjoyed writing in elementary school and up until the 9th grade, but for whatever reason, it fell by the wayside.

I've started a few new things in the past couple of years and that is mainly what I will be sharing here. I started sewing a while back and I have to say I love it! It is challenging and I still have tons to learn, but that is part of the reason that I love it.

I also started "running" about 2 years ago. I use quotations because I don't know if many people would consider what I do running! Anything athletic has always been a challenge for me. But again, like sewing, that is a part of the reason for loving it. I think it is a way for me to conquer myself. I have been a complete slacker with my running in recent months. It not only affects me physically, but it also affects my metal state. So, I'm going to have to start hitting the pavement to save what's left of my sanity!

I love quotes so I will be ending each one of my posts with one or two of them. I look forward to sharing more of my exciting life in all the posts to come!

À tout à l'heure!

The greatest pleasure in life, is doing the things people say we cannot do.
~ Walter Bagehot